Lesson 1: Mu A Mu Sa – Compassion Beyond Boundaries

Opening & Introduction

​To meditate on compassion, as taught by the Bodhisattvas, is to step beyond the small boundaries of the self and into the boundless heart of the universe. The Bodhisattva’s compassion is not merely a feeling—it is an active, living force, like sunlight that warms all without judgment, like rain that nourishes all without preference.

When we sit in meditation, breathing with awareness, we begin to see that every being—human, animal, seen, and unseen—carries joys and sorrows, hopes and fears, just as we do. With each breath, we soften the walls we have built around our heart. With each moment of stillness, we dissolve the rigid edges of our mind.
The Bodhisattva reminds us that to truly open the heart is to welcome all beings as part of ourselves, for in truth, there is no separation. Through this compassion, we rejoin the great fabric of the universe, remembering that we have never been apart from it. Our love becomes vast, without limit, without condition. We no longer ask who is worthy of our kindness, for in the Bodhisattva’s eyes, every being is worthy.

This is the love that heals—the love that touches the deepest wounds and brings them back to wholeness. In living this compassion, we plant seeds of peace in every heart we meet, and those seeds, in time, blossom into a more awakened world.
​
As our compassion deepens, so too does our wisdom, until we realize that to love without limit is itself the path to enlightenment.

Story: The Farmer and the Wild Deer

There was once a farmer who worked hard to protect his crops. One year, wild deer kept sneaking into his field, eating the vegetables he depended on. At first, he grew angry and set traps to drive them away. But each time he saw the deer struggling, his heart softened. He realized they were simply hungry—just like him. So instead of building higher fences, he began planting a small patch of vegetables at the edge of his field, just for the deer.

At first, his neighbors laughed. But as the months passed, they noticed something: the deer stopped destroying the main crops. They ate what was freely given, and the farmer’s harvest flourished.
​
The farmer discovered something profound: when he shared with compassion, both he and the deer were nourished. His kindness didn’t diminish his life—it expanded it.

---

Reflection

• Who are the “deer” in your life—those who may cause frustration, but who also suffer and hunger in their own way?
• How might compassion change the way you respond to them?

Guided Meditation

Sit comfortably. Let your spine be tall but relaxed, your hands resting gently in your lap. Close your eyes.

Take a slow, deep breath in… and a slow, gentle breath out. Feel the Earth holding you.

As you breathe, imagine a soft golden light surrounding you. This is the light of compassion, the same light carried by countless Bodhisattvas who vow to help all beings.

Breathe in through your nose into the lower belly; breathe out through your mouth, softly chanting: Mu A Mu Sa.
​
Bring to mind someone you love deeply. Silently say:
May you be safe. May you be free from suffering. May you be at peace.

Now imagine a stranger and offer the same wishes.

Next, think of someone with whom you have difficulty. Even if resistance arises, breathe gently and send them compassion.

Let the golden light expand outward—filling the room, the city, the country, and finally the entire Earth.
​
Every being is bathed in this light. In this moment, all are safe. All are loved. All are free from suffering.

Musical Reflection

Song: The Compassionate Eyes Upon All Being

Closing Thought

Like the farmer who shared his crops, when we live with compassion, no one loses. Compassion nourishes us all.
​
Mu A Mu Sa is not only a mantra—it is a reminder that the heart of the universe beats within us, and that every breath can be an offering of love.